15 Mouthwatering Sauces That Will Transform Your Rotisserie Chicken

Let’s face it – rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s convenient, juicy, and already cooked to perfection. But eating it plain can get boring fast. The secret to elevating this simple meal? The right sauce!

I’ve spent years experimenting with different flavor combinations, and I’m excited to share the absolute best sauces that pair beautifully with rotisserie chicken. Whether you prefer something creamy, spicy, tangy, or herbaceous, I’ve got you covered

Why Sauces Make Rotisserie Chicken Better

Rotisserie chicken is already delicious on its own with its crispy skin and juicy meat. But adding a complementary sauce can

• Add moisture to leftover chicken that might have dried out
• Introduce new flavor dimensions
• Transform one chicken into multiple different meals
• Make your dinner feel more gourmet with minimal effort

Categories of Sauces for Rotisserie Chicken

Before diving into specific recipes let’s break down the main sauce categories that work wonderfully with rotisserie chicken

Herbaceous Sauces

These bright, fresh sauces cut through the richness of the chicken with vibrant herbs and acidity.

Creamy Sauces

Rich and indulgent, these sauces add luxurious texture and comfort-food appeal.

BBQ & Smoky Sauces

Classic pairings that add sweet, tangy, and smoky elements.

Global-Inspired Sauces

Exciting international flavors that can transport your simple chicken to different culinary traditions.

Spicy Sauces

For those who like heat, these add a kick that contrasts beautifully with the mild chicken.

Now, let’s explore my favorite sauces in each category!

1. Chimichurri – The Ultimate Herbaceous Sauce

Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce that’s vibrant, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs. It’s my absolute go-to for rotisserie chicken.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. The acidity and freshness cut through the richness of the chicken perfectly!

2. Creamy Garlic Sauce (5-Minute Wonder)

When I’m super short on time but want something impressive, this 5-minute creamy garlic sauce is my secret weapon.

Quick Recipe:

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
• Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

Melt butter, sauté garlic briefly, add cream and simmer for 3 minutes. Finish with Parmesan and seasonings. Drizzle over your chicken for instant luxury!

3. Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

This spicy, creamy sauce adds an amazing kick to rotisserie chicken. It’s become wildly popular in recent years for good reason!

Quick Recipe:

• 1 jalapeño or 2 serrano peppers (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

Blend everything until smooth. The creaminess, heat, and herb flavors create magic with chicken.

4. Classic Pan Gravy From Drippings

If you’re roasting your own chicken, don’t waste those precious drippings! A simple pan gravy is classic for a reason.

Quick Recipe:

• Drippings from roasted chicken
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water
• Salt and pepper to taste

After removing the chicken, place the pan on medium heat, add wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add cornstarch slurry and whisk until thickened. Simple but incredibly flavorful!

5. Honey Mustard Sauce

Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, honey mustard is always a crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Whisk everything together. It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling!

6. Lemon Butter Sauce

Sometimes simplicity wins. This bright, buttery sauce enhances without overwhelming.

Quick Recipe:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter with garlic, add lemon juice and zest, simmer briefly. Finish with dill if using. Spoon over warm chicken.

7. Alabama White BBQ Sauce

This mayo-based BBQ sauce is a Southern secret that pairs amazingly with chicken.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix everything and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy!

8. Romesco Sauce

This Spanish roasted red pepper sauce is nutty, smoky, and absolutely delicious with chicken.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 roasted red peppers (jarred is fine)
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts
• 1 slice stale bread, toasted
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Blend everything until smooth but slightly textured. The depth of flavor is amazing!

9. Buffalo Sauce

For spice lovers, buffalo sauce with rotisserie chicken is a match made in heaven.

Quick Recipe:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything together. Toss shredded rotisserie chicken in this sauce for an easy buffalo chicken that’s great in wraps or on salads!

10. Tarragon Cream Sauce

This elegant French-inspired sauce feels fancy but is surprisingly easy.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté shallot in butter, add broth and reduce by half. Add cream, simmer until slightly thickened, then finish with tarragon and Dijon. Sophisticated and delicious!

11. Piccata Sauce

Bright, briny, and buttery – this Italian classic works wonders with rotisserie chicken.

Quick Recipe:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter, add capers and sizzle briefly. Add lemon juice and broth, simmer for 2 minutes. Finish with parsley. The tanginess perfectly cuts through the rich chicken.

12. Mushroom Cream Sauce

Earthy, rich, and comforting – this sauce makes rotisserie chicken feel like a gourmet meal.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (any variety)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté mushrooms until golden, add shallot and garlic. Deglaze with wine, add cream and thyme, simmer until thickened. Umami heaven!

13. Pesto (Store-bought or Homemade)

Pesto and chicken is a classic combo for good reason! The herby, garlicky, nutty flavors are perfect.

Quick Homemade Recipe:

• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget option)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend everything except oil, then drizzle in oil while blending. Or just grab a good store-bought version!

14. Cowboy Butter

This flavor-packed melted butter sauce has become super popular recently.

Quick Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything into the melted butter. Drizzle over chicken for a flavor explosion!

15. Cilantro Lime Crema

Bright, tangy, and perfect for giving your chicken a Mexican-inspired twist.

Quick Recipe:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime (juice and zest)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of cumin
• Salt to taste

Mix everything together. Great for chicken tacos or simply drizzled over sliced chicken!

Tips for Pairing Sauces with Rotisserie Chicken

1. Consider your sides: Choose sauces that also complement your side dishes.
2. Think about temperature: Some sauces are better warm, others cold.
3. Texture matters: Creamy sauces work well with sliced chicken, while chunkier sauces might be better with shredded chicken.
4. Make ahead: Most of these sauces taste even better after the flavors have time to meld.
5. Repurpose leftovers: Use leftover sauced chicken in sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day.

The Bottom Line

A good sauce can transform your rotisserie chicken from convenient to crave-worthy! I always keep the ingredients for at least 2-3 of these sauces on hand for quick, delicious meals.

My personal favorites are the chimichurri for summer and the mushroom cream sauce for winter, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.

What’s your favorite sauce to pair with rotisserie chicken? I’d love to hear about your go-to combinations in the comments!

Happy cooking!